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Today in History: Black September kills Israeli Olympians in Munich

9/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On 5 September 1972, eight Black September militants stormed the Olympic Village in Munich, West Germany, seizing eleven Israeli athletes and coaches. After a botched rescue, all hostages were killed within 24 hours, marking the deadliest terrorist act in Olympic history and prompting worldwide counter-terrorism reforms.

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Story summary

On 5 September 1972, eight Black September militants stormed the Olympic Village in Munich, West Germany, seizing eleven Israeli athletes and coaches. After a botched rescue, all hostages were killed within 24 hours, marking the deadliest terrorist act in Olympic history and prompting worldwide counter-terrorism reforms.